Which new seven-seat SUV for 2018?
Hi,
I currently drive a Land Rover Discovery Sport, five-seater diesel and I am thinking about changing in 2018. We would ideally like to stay in the SUV market, but our new car will need to have seven seats. The Discovery Sport does come as a seven-seater, but wondering what other options are out there for a total budget of €50k approx either in or out of the SUV bracket?
Thanks
Enda Daly (Galway)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Enda,
There's a growing number of options for seven-seat SUVs. The new Skoda Kodiaq is excellent and €50k would buy you one with a lot of toys. The Kia Sorento is also in that price bracket and is big, roomy and hugely comfortable. Ditto the Hyundai Santa Fe. Peugeot's incoming new 5008 is worth a look too. Here are our reviews of them all to help you out:
Would I save money importing a Discovery?
Hi, I am interested in buying a 2014 to 2016 Land Rover Discovery 4. Would I save much importing? Can you do it for me?
Regards
Patrick
Patrick Oconnor (Sligo)Apr 2017 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
Well, we certainly can’t do it for you, I’m afraid, but the process of importing a car has been made a little easier in recent years. Just make sure you’ve got your paperwork in order and are ready for the dreaded VRT payment.
Generally speaking, the rule of thumb is that going to the UK for a premium model, such as a Discovery, can save you around €4-5,000 depending on your final costs so it’s well worth looking at. Just make sure you’ve done a proper vehicle history and background check with Cartell.ie before committing to anything.
We'd like an SUV with three ISOFIX points.
Hi,
We are looking for a car, ideally an SUV that will have three ISOFIX seats for three children under the age of three. This is proving hard to find; do you know of any?
If not, can you suggest a suitable MPV with an SUV look?
Thank you
Jacinta, Cork
Jacinta O'Mahony (Cork)Feb 2017 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Jacinta,
Mostly, SUVs with three ISOFIX points in the middle row are the really big ones - Land Rover Discovery, Audi Q7 and so on. The good news is that Peugeot is about to launch the new 5008 and that has three ISOFIX points in the middle row, but it won't be on sale until July in Ireland.
Can I import a seven-seat commercial?
Hi,
In terms of importing a Land Rover Discovery that has a commercial classification in the UK already, but has seven seats - what needs to be done in terms of conversion?
Mark Quinn (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Tricky one. You'll need to talk to the people at the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) as they're the ones that set the regulations for what counts as a commercial vehicle. More than likely you're going to have to get rid of the extra seats, but have a chat with them first and make sure.
Which high-up SUV to go for?
Guys,
I am interested in buying a second hand SUV with a similar elevation to the Land Rover Freelander, but I am finding most SUVs are closer to saloon car height. Do you have any recommendations for SUVs similar to the Freelander?
Does it make more sense at this stage to wait until January when there will be a more plentiful supply and if so where is best place to get a short term rental for a couple of months?
Thanks
Conor Dowd (Enniskerry)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Conor,
The two best SUVs of similar elevation to the Freelander would be the Honda CR-V and the Nissan X-Trail. Both are excellent choices (and the X-Trail can be had with seven seats), but the Honda’s more spirited driving experience nudges it for us. Also worth looking at a Land Rover Discovery Sport (effectively the third-generation Freelander), although they’re pricier than the Honda or Nissan.
As for choosing a buying time, yes, if you wait until the end of January, depending on how new car sales go, there should be a few more trade-ins and the like cluttering up dealer lots so you might get a sharper deal. Any of the big car rental companies will set you up with a good deal on a long-term rent, and Enterprise is probably the best place to start.
Here are a few of our reviews to help you choose:
New Land Rover Discovery or BMW X5 for 171?
Do you think the new Discovery will be worth waiting for? It's that or a new BMW X5, but I'd like to get the car for the 171 plate
Jake Murphy (Naas)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Jake,
It's a little hard for us to tell as we haven't driven it yet. It sure looks good and Land Rover's on a roll of good product lately. We'll be getting an early test drive in a few weeks so hang in there and we'll be able to tell you more then. In the mean time, here are a few articles that might interest you:
I'd like a classy five-seat commercial please...
Hey!
I'm in the market for a new executive commercial vehicle - but it needs to have five seats. Loophole a go go... The obvious choice is the Land Rover Discovery, but I understand they are being phased out and so my leasing company won't offer it as an option. Things like an L200 / Ranger / Hilux / Navara are a little TOO commercial for my tastes...
The Pajero Executive is nice, but the equipment, engine and layout all seem older than I am. The Touareg is a nice bus, but seems expensive compared to the rest and I've heard so-so reports in terms of value for money. Any ideas what else I should look for? Do Volvo / BMW / Audi do a five-seater that classes as commercial?
Al The Commercial Vehicle Looking Guy (Dublin)Sep 2016 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Al,
BMW, Audi and Mercedes don't do an in-house commercial option, but you can get an aftermarket conversion, of course.
One option worth looking at is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. A really nice car, good to drive and Agnelli Motors on the Naas Road in Dublin do a five-seat commercial conversion with prices starting around the €45k mark.
There's also the Toyota Land Cruiser 'Business' model, but it's a bit more expensive, at €57k. Utterly indestructible though and hugely comfortable.
Just make sure you've properly taxed it if you're planning on using it for domestic or family motoring as the fines for using a commercially taxed vehicle for that are pretty stiff.
Thoughts on the Land Rover Discovery?
What is your view of the Land Rover Discovery?
Nick Strong (Glin)Jul 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Nick,
A genuinely remarkable vehicle. Seats for seven (and seven fully grown adults at that) and with the sort of on-road refinement and comfort you'd need a Mercedes-Benz E-Class to better. Yet it can get into and out of remote, rocky, boggy, muddy, snowy places in a manner that occasionally boggles the mind. Yes it's big, heavy and thirsty and it rolls a lot in corners, but it's a truly great car. Reliability is the only Achilles' heel. It's much better now than it used to be, but older models still suffer from gearbox, electrical and suspension issues.
What family car to buy?
Hi there.
I am looking for some advice regarding cars that fit three children's car seats in one row across the back. I would like to get a seven-seater, but for ease of use would like to be able to put all the children in one row. Isofix is preferable. I rather SUV-like cars, but obviously my budget might restrict me to a people carrier as I know these are more economical. Can you help? I love the look of the Kia Sorento, but don't know if this fits the three seats in the back.
Thank you!!!
Christine O'Mahony (Cork)May 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Christine,
The Kia Sorento should fit three seats across the back, but you should always take along your seats (and preferably your kids too) on the test drive to make sure everything and everyone fits in nicely. Cracking car that Sorento - other good options are the Hyundai Santa Fe or Land Rover Discovery Sport. If you need to go for an MPV the Ford S-Max, SEAT Alhambra or Opel Zafira Tourer are your best bets, but it's worth considering the Volkswagen Touran too - not quite so roomy, but cheaper to run and very pleasant to drive.
Here are our relevant reviews:
Santa Fe or Land Rover Discovery Sport?
Hi,
I need a commercial 4x4 for towing and general business use. I've narrowed it down to the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Land Rover Discovery Sport. Which is the better 4x4 in terms of economics, comfort and resale value
Eoin
Eoin Bara (Dublin)Feb 2016 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
I really like the Discovery Sport - it's gorgeous to look at and really nice to drive, but even though Land Rover has made many improvements to its build quality over the years, there's still a slight question mark over its long-term durability. So, my advice would be to go for the Disco if you like it, and you go in with your eyes open (and preferably with a good warranty backing you up), but the Hyundai would be the safer bet. In terms of comfort, the Hyundai also wins out, but not by a big margin. We'd expect there not to be much in it when it comes to resale value either.
Relevant reviews: